Graphic

Shuttling a shuttle

During the space shuttle program, NASA used a specially modified 747 to move orbiters from Edwards Air Force Base back to Cape Canaveral, Fla. when conditions prevented a landing at Cape Canaveral. A similar process is being used to deliver the shuttles to their new homes at various U.S. museums. Later this year, the shuttle Endeavor will be flown from Kennedy Space Center in Florida to Edwards and then transported over city streets to its new home at Exposition Park’s California Science Center. Return to story

Inspecting the shuttle

Adding the tail cone

Raising the shuttle

Attaching the shuttle to the 747

Inspecting the shuttle

Shuttle is hoisted and receives a vi­su­al in­spec­tion. Residual fuel is flushed from en­gine valves and plumbing; other tox­ic sub­stanc­es re­moved.